“The first tuna symbolizes good fortune,” shared Onodera spokesperson Shinji Nagao with the press post-auction. “Our hope is that consuming this fish will lead to a prosperous year for all.” Last year, the Onodera Group shelled out a staggering 114 million yen for the finest tuna. Nonetheless, the record-breaking bid of 333.6 million yen for a 612-pound bluefin in 2019 remains unparalleled, marking a historic moment when the fish market transitioned from its customary Tsukiji locale to the modern Toyosu facility. This landmark bid was spearheaded by self-proclaimed “Tuna King,” Kiyoshi Kimura, the mastermind behind the renowned Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain.
Amid the tumult of the COVID-19 outbreak, this year’s New Year tuna auctions witnessed a significant decline in prices, as dining out was discouraged, and eateries constrained their operations. Notably, a colossal 276-kilogram bluefin tuna fetched a remarkable 207 million Japanese yen (about $1.3 million) during the initial tuna auction of the New Year in Tokyo, Japan, on January 5, 2025. The coveted head of this prized tuna was proudly paraded by a sushi chef at an Onodera sushi establishment, a testament to the enduring allure of this annual tradition.
Pacific bluefin tuna stand out as the largest tuna species in the Pacific, with mature specimens reaching lengths of nearly 10 feet and weights exceeding 1,000 pounds. Despite the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) designating the Pacific bluefin tuna as vulnerable, recent assessments by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offer a glimmer of hope. NOAA’s findings, released in June, indicate a positive trend in the Pacific bluefin tuna population, surpassing international benchmarks a decade ahead of schedule, signaling a noteworthy conservation achievement.
In other news, a massive winter storm is poised to sweep across 25 states, bringing heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and frigid temperatures. Meanwhile, the transformative impact of Oakland’s Creative Growth initiative is celebrated for nurturing generations of artists, fostering creative expression, and empowering individuals with disabilities. Lastly, embark on a radiant journey with sunrise photographer Bugsy Sailor, capturing the ethereal beauty of daybreak through a lens of wonder and artistry.
Credit: Issei Kato/REUTERS”
